Hundreds gather to honor Maria Noakes

BRYSON CITY - Wearing purple stickers that read, "Live Like Maria," hundreds of friends and family gathered at the Nantahala Outdoor Center to pay tribute to the life of the kayaker in a memorial that was streamed across the globe to New Zealand, Maria Noakes' home country.

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Friends and family remembered her bright smile, enthusiasm and her neverending pursuit of adventure. "The only thing that made her really sad was a missed opportunity, a missed adventure," said Nick Williams, Noakes' husband, "We have to live our life to the fullest."

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Following a Maori blessing, the large group took flowers to the banks of the Nantahala River and tossed them in, reflecting on the vibrant life of Maria Noakes as the colorful flowers floated downstream.